Garment for supporting breasts and decreasing tension forces

ABSTRACT

An undergarment for supporting breasts while decreasing tension and compression forces caused by the inner interaction between the undergarment components, the wearer&#39;s breasts, and torso may include a wider elastic center gore to which the cups are attached. As the wearer secures the undergarment around their torso, tension and compression forces, causing décolletage skin wrinkling may be dispersed by positioning the breasts away from the body&#39;s midline and creating a separation between the breasts.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/881,867 filed on Aug. 1, 2019, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to an undergarment generallyworn by women. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed toan undergarment configured to support breasts while decreasing tensionand compression forces caused by the inner interaction between theundergarment components, wearer's breasts, and torso.

BACKGROUND

The décolletage is the upper part of a woman's torso, comprising herneck, shoulders, back and chest. Because the skin covering the chestarea gets a lot of sun exposure and tends to be thinner than that on thearms and legs, it is often subject to the UV radiation damage, known toaccelerate up the aging process. In particular, UV radiation causes thecollagen in the skin to break down, resulting in a premature developmentof fine lines, wrinkles, and crepiness in the intermammary cleft region.Thus, the sun exposure along with normal aging process contributes towrinkling of the décolletage area.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments, various features andfunctionality can be provided to enable or otherwise facilitateprevention, correction, and concealment of skin defects.

In some embodiments, an undergarment may comprise a center supportelement and a pair of cups. In some embodiments, the center supportelement may comprise a first side end and a second side end. In someembodiments, a first cup of the undergarment may be affixed to the firstside end of the center support element and a second cup may be affixedto the second side end of the center support element.

In some embodiments, each cup may comprise an outer contour defined byan outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the undergarment may comprise awire lining the outer perimeter of the outer contour of each of thecups. The perimeter wire may be configured to force the breast to staywithin a particular shape. For example, the breasts may be containedinside the perimeter wire outlining the cups by being forced to staywithin the perimeter wire outline. In some embodiments, the perimeterwire outlining the cup may be configured to force the breasts to staywithin a particular position by guiding the breast into a direction awayfrom the body's midline.

In some embodiments, the center support element comprises middle regionlocated between the first and second side ends. In some embodiments, themiddle region may have a “U” shape.

In some embodiments, the first and second side ends of the centralsupport element are defined by a first height. In some embodiments, themiddle region of the central support element is defined by a secondheight. In some embodiments, the first height of the first and secondside ends is greater than the second height of the middle region.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the presentdisclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated elements of structure and the combination of parts and economiesof manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. The drawings are for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and are not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a front planar view and a front perspective view,respectively of a prior art brassier.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front planar view of an undergarment configured toreduce tension and compression forces applied to the breasts, accordingto an implementation of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2B-2D illustrate a front planar view of an undergarment comprisinga center gore, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate attachment points between the center gore andcups illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, according to an implementation of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are support undergarments for providing breast supportwhile reducing tension and compression forces which may cause theformation of wrinkles in the décolletage. The details of some exampleembodiments of the embodiments of the present disclosure are set forthin the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of thedisclosure will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon examinationof the following description, drawings, examples and claims. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

As alluded to above, intermammillary cleft wrinkles may include deep,vertical creases that may appear as the skin becomes older and thinner.There are various physical causes for the wrinkles appearing moreprominently. Some causes include physiological changes within the body,such as weakening of collagen bonds within the skin of the neck areacaused by aging and exposure to UV radiation.

Other reasons include one or more mechanical forces acting upon thebreasts causing tissue compression which results in potentialdécolletage skin damage. For example, a preference for sleeping on oneside may damage the skin and give the breasts a sagged or droppedappearance. This may also be caused in part by gravitational forces. Inparticular, as gravity forces the weight of the top breast onto thebottom breast, the breast can slide past the body's midline, therebycompressing the décolletage skin resulting in its wrinkling.

Another example of intermammary cleft wrinkle formation caused bymechanical forces includes repeated application of tension andcompression forces that result from the interaction of undergarmentcomponents, wearer's breasts, and torso. Specifically, when combinationof tension and compression forces is applied by the undergarmentcomponents onto the breasts it uplifts and supports the breasts. Indeed,certain conventional undergarments specifically aim to increase theseforces to provide greater support of the breasts during physicalactivity and/or enhance and highlight the appearance of the breasts inthe intermammary cleft (i.e., to create cleavage) which is aimed toenhance wearer's physical attractiveness.

For example, an exercise brassier may constrain the breasts withcompression to reduce their potential movement during a strenuousphysical activity such as running. Similarly, a “push-up” type brassiermay apply tension and compression to the breasts to both lift thebreasts and shift their weight (i.e., move their center of gravity)towards the midline of the body to create a certain aestheticappearance. These tension and compression forces (e.g., similar to thoseaffecting facial skin due to muscular tension exerted onto the skin whenfrowning) can cause the formation of new lines and wrinkles in thedécolletage and worsen the appearance of existing ones.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate prior art brassieres. For example, a conventionalbrassier 100 is configured to provide breast support when worn by thegarment wearer. A typical brassier comprises a combination of bra cups,shoulder straps, and a support band. For example, cups 120, 122 areconfigured to encase at least a part of each of the breasts 150, 152.Cups 120, 122 are attached to the front of support band 115, which isconfigured to run around the rib cage of the wearer. Cups 120, 122 maybe positioned in a specific area within the chest by shoulder straps140, 142. Shoulder straps 140, 142 may be configured to extend over thewearer's shoulders by being affixed to an apex 124, 126 of cups 120, 122at one end, and support band 115 at another end. Support band 115 maycomprise an adjustable fastening mechanism 117 configured to securesupport band 115 around the wearer's torso. Cups 120, 122 are separatedby a center gore 110 which lies in the region between breasts 150, 152.Cups 120, 122 may be attached to center gore 110 resulting in cups 120,122 being angled upwardly and inwardly.

When the wearer of the garment secures brassier 100 around their torsothe shoulder straps 140, 142 and cups 120, 122 will be subjected toheavy tension forces, as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 1A-1B, causingbreasts 150, 152 to being lifted and pushed inward (i.e., towardsmidline 155). As alluded to above, the tension between shoulder straps140, 142, cups 120, 122, and breasts 150, 152 results in the compressionof the breasts which causes the formation of intermammary cleft linesand wrinkles.

In contrast, the present embodiments are directed to a breast supportinggarment configured to disperse the combination of tension andcompression forces acting upon the breasts in such a way that reducesthe formation of new intermammary skin wrinkles and minimizes theappearance of existing ones while still providing the support. Inparticular, by increasing the width of the center gore and byfabricating the center gore using elastic materials, the undergarmentseparates the breasts and disperses the tension forces laterally, i.e.,towards a region between the anterior axillary and midaxillary lines.Further, by increasing the height of the center gore, allows theundergarment to angle the cups in a way that positions the breastsupwardly and outwardly, thus, furthering the separation between thebreasts and forcing the breasts away from the body's midline.Additionally, the flexural nature of the center gore allows the garmentto balance the tension created between the band, the cups, and theshoulder straps. Finally, by incorporating a shaping device into thecups that shapes and guides the breasts away from the body's midline,allows the undergarment to maintain the separation between the breasts.By virtue of maintaining the separation between the breasts reduces thetension and compression forces the undergarment exerts on the breasts.

Accordingly, the present embodiments are directed to a breast supportinggarment configured to eliminate tension and compression forcesassociated with prior art brassieres, as alluded to above. Inparticular, the tension and compression forces of conventionalbrassieres are known to direct the breasts towards the midline of thebody resulting in the formation of new intermammillary cleft wrinklesand worsening the appearance of existing ones.

Embodiments of the disclosed support garment provide an undergarment forcreating a lift force which lifts the breasts upwardly, whilesimultaneously positioning the breasts outwardly (i.e., away from thebody's midline) rather than inwardly (i.e., towards the body's midline),which is associated with causing intermammillary wrinkles, as explainedabove. This positioning is primarily a result of cooperating elements,e.g., cups and center gore to which the cups are affixed, shoulderstraps, and a perimeter wire lining each cups' outer perimeter. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, undergarment 200 is one example ofthe present embodiments configured to uplift the breasts upwardly andoutwardly. In some embodiments, undergarment 200 may be a built-in bra,a bullet bra, a demi bra, a full support bra, a mastectomy bra, amaternity bra, a minimizer bra, a nursing bra, a padded bra, aconvertible bra, and a balconette bra, a push-up bra, a shelf bra, asports bra, a strapless bra or a T-shirt bra. In some embodiments,undergarment 200 may be worn as, for example, swimwear, sleepwear,lingerie, a halter top and/or the like.

In some embodiments, undergarment 200 may have cups 220, 222 configuredto encase at least a part of each of breasts 250, 252. For example, anouter contour of cups 220, 222 may substantially cover a part or all ofthe breast. In some embodiments, the outer contour of cups 220, 222 maycorrespond to the upper edge of the breast. In yet other embodiments,the outer contour of cups 220, 222 may substantially extend beyond theupper edge of the breast. In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may bedefined by a cup size configured to fit a variety of breast sizes andshapes. In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may comprise a single pieceof fabric. In other embodiments, cups 220, 222 may comprise multiplepanels sown together to form a cup. In some embodiments, the fabric usedto make the cups may include a variety of natural and syntheticmaterials with varying degrees of elasticity (e.g., nylon spandex,cotton, spandex, elastane and the like).

In some embodiments, the size of cups 220, 220 may include varyingdimensions. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, each cup 220, 222may include a height 246 of approximately 5⅛ inches and a width 248 ofapproximately 7¾ inches.

In some embodiments, inner surfaces of cups 220, 222 may be lined with anon-slip and/or other friction inducing material to enhance thecontainment of the breasts and minimize their potential movement duringactivity. In some embodiments, the non-slip material may allowundergarment 200 to maintain the separation between the breasts,required to reduce the tension and compression forces exerted onto thebreasts.

In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may be padded. For example, innersurfaces of cups 220, 222 may comprise a layer configured to function ascushion or pad. In some embodiments, the padded layer may made from avariety of materials of varying thickness (e.g., foam, memory foam,etc.). For example, inner surfaces of cups 220, 222 may be lined with alayer of foam, being approximately ⅛ inch thick. The padded layer mayspan the entirety of inner surfaces of cups 220, 222. Alternatively, thepadded layer may span only a part of inner surfaces of cups 220, 222.The padded layer may cradle the breast and provide additional support.The thickness of the padded layer may serve to increase the volume ofthe breast, which some women may experience.

In some embodiments, cups 220, 222 may include two distinct componentsattached to the front of support band 215, which is configured to runaround the rib cage of the wearer. In other embodiments, support band215 and cups 220, 222 may form a single component. For example, cups220, 222 may form an extension of support band 215. Support band 215 mayhave a length 260 of approximately 27¾ inches, as illustrated in FIG.2C.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, support band 215 may comprise two wingregions 263, 267 positioned laterally with respect to cups 220, 222. Insome embodiments, cups 220, 222 may be affixed to each wing region 236,267 on one end and the center core 210 on another. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 2D, each wing region (e.g., wing region 263) mayhave a height 282 of approximately 4⅞ inches. In some embodiments, theheight 282 may be at a higher end of wing region 263. Each wing regionmay have may a height 284 of approximately 4¼ inches at its tapered end.Each wing region may have a height 286 of approximately 2⅝ inches. Insome embodiments, the height 286 may be at a lower end of wing region263. In some embodiments, the lower end of wing region may be locatedright before fastening mechanism 117, which is discussed further below.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, cups 220, 222 may be positioned in a specificarea within the chest by shoulder straps 240, 242. For example, shoulderstraps 240, 242 may be configured to extend over wearer's shoulders bybeing affixed to apex 224, 226 of cups 220, 222 at one end, and supportband 215 at another end. In some embodiments, straps 240, 242 may be ofvarying length and width. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, straps240, 242 may have a width 243 of approximately % of an inch.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, support band 215 may comprise an adjustablefastening mechanism 217 configured to secure support band 215 aroundwearer's torso. In some embodiments, fastening mechanism 217 may includehook and eye closure. For example, hook and eye closure may include fourrows of six coated, brushed hooks on one end of support band 215, andcorresponding four rows of six eyes on the other side of support band215.

As the wearer secures undergarment 200 around their torso, shoulderstraps 240, 242, cups 220, 222, and the breasts will be subjected toheavy tension forces, causing décolletage skin wrinkling, as alluded toabove. The present embodiments of undergarment 200 disperse thesetension and compression forces associated with conventionalundergarments by positioning the breasts away from the body's midline byincreasing the separation between them. For example, undergarment 200comprises a center gore 210 configured to separate the breasts. In someembodiments, center gore 210 may be wider than that in conventionalbrassieres. In some embodiments, center gore 210 may be fabricated usinga stretchable, elastic, and elastomeric material, such as, for example,spandex, elastane and/or the like. In other embodiments, center gore 210may be fabricated using substantially sturdy fabric.

In some embodiments, because of the increased width of center gore 210,allows undergarment 200 provide a more anatomically correct breastsupport resulting in wrinkle prevention, their concealment, andcorrection. For example, attaching the cups to a traditional center gore(e.g., center gore 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B) forces the breaststowards body's midline 255 which results in shifting breasts' center ofgravity away from their anatomically correct location. In contrast, awider center gore 210 results in the breasts being supported at theirroot (i.e., in their anatomically correct location). By virtue ofproviding support at the anatomically correct location, undergarment 200is more comfortable and less damaging to the skin. By supporting theweight of the breasts at their root rather than shifting the breasts'center of gravity towards the midline, allows the skin to remainrelatively free from any mechanical forces that contribute to wrinkleformation, as alluded to above. Accordingly, undergarment 200 isconfigured to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles in thedécolletage and minimizing the appearance of existing ones. In someembodiments, separating the breasts may conceal the appearance ofexisting lines. For example, thinner skin in the décolletage may bepulled tauter when the breasts are separated resulting in a smoother andless wrinkled appearance.

In some embodiments, décolletage lines caused by the repeated wearing ofhigh tension and compression undergarments, as noted above, may becorrected by wearing an undergarment with a wider center gore (e.g.,undergarment 200). For example, a wider center gore may separate thebreasts and move them outwardly rather than inwardly, as is the casewith traditional brassieres. Because the direction and force magnituderequired to move the breasts outwardly is inverse to that required tomove the breasts inwardly, this change may counteract the effects ofrepeated inward movement associated with high tension and compressionundergarments known to cause skin wrinkles. That is, by moving thebreasts outwardly, i.e., in the opposite direction in which the breastsare moved by conventional brassieres (inwardly), causes the skin of thebreast tissue to be pulled in the opposite direction. This oppositemovement allows undergarment 200 to relax and release the lines thatwere formed previously (i.e., during the use of conventionalundergarments).

In some embodiments, center gore 210 may include a height 213. Forexample, height 213 may be greater than a height of the center gore inconventional brassieres. In some embodiments, height 213 may besubstantially uniform along the entire length of center gore 210, asillustrated in FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, center gore 210 may have avarying height along its length. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B,height 213 at each edge 218, 219 may be greater than height 214 atcenter gore 210 midpoint 211. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 2C, height 213 may be approximately 3⅛ inches and height 214 may beapproximately 1½ inches.

Referring back to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, center gore 210 may havea general “U” shape and attach to each of the cups 220, 220 via acorresponding leg of the “U”. By being disposed in a region between thebreasts, the center gore 210 functions to disperse the tension forcesapplied to the breasts. In particular, as upwardly directed forces areapplied to each of the legs of the “U”, the breasts can be drawnupwardly and outwardly rather than just upwardly. However, because ofthe elasticity of the material of center gore 210, the breasts remain ina balanced position, as center gore 210 attempts to return to itsrelaxed condition. This balanced position affords the wearer with agarment that provides support and lowers discomfort.

In some embodiments, center gore 210 may have a general “V” shape, asillustrated in FIG. 2C. The “V” shape of center gore 210 may increasethe ability of the center gore to stretch when worn by the wearer,thereby contributing to the custom fit of the garment.

In some embodiments, as noted above, the cups may be separated by thecenter gore. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, cups 220, 222 maybe affixed to “U” shaped center gore 210 at points 230, 232. Cups 220,222 may be separated by a distance 212. Distance 212, as illustrated inFIG. 2C, may be approximately % of an inch.

Referring back to FIG. 2B, height 213 at each of the side edges 218, 219(i.e., the region of bra cup attachment) of the center gore 210 may begreater than that of traditional brassieres. By virtue of increasingheight 213, allows undergarment 200 to angle cups 220, 222 upwardly andoutwardly rather than upwardly and inwardly (i.e., the angling of thecups associated with traditional brassieres). By angling cups 220, 222upwardly and outwardly results in a lateral shift of breast weighttowards the region between the anterior axillary 256 line andmidaxillary 257 line. This shift of the breast weight causes the tensionand compression forces to be dispersed, resulting in improved skinappearance in the décolletage.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the center gore (e.g., the center gore210) may be configured to reduce the combination of tension andcompression forces resulting in wrinkle formation prevention, theirconcealment, and correction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, thecups of a traditional brassier may attach to a center gore 310 at points330, 332 resulting in apex 324, 326 of cups being positioned at aparticular angle vis-à-vis a support band 350. This attachment resultsin the cups being angled upwardly and inwardly, as alluded to above.When the cups are angled upwardly and inwardly (i.e., in traditionalbrassieres), they tend to shift the weight of the breasts towards themidline. Pushing the breast towards the midline compresses the breasts,which puts the stress on the skin and causes wrinkle formation.

In contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, cups of a presently disclosedundergarment may attach to a “U” shaped center gore 315 at points 330-1,332-1. This attachment results in apex 324-1,326-1 of the cups beingpositioned at a lower angle than apex 324, 326 of the cups in atraditional brassier illustrated in FIG. 3A. By modifying the attachmentof the cups to the center gore results in the cups being angled upwardlyand outwardly, which prevents the breasts from being pushed towards themidline. In particular, the presently disclosed undergarment forces theweight of the breasts to shift laterally, which results in the tensionand compression forces to be dispersed. As alluded to above, by virtueof decreasing the tension and compression being exerted onto thebreasts, results in a reduction of the décolletage skin wrinkling.

In some embodiments, a shaping device may be incorporated into the cups220, 222 to force the material of the cups to stay in a particularshape. Thus, the shape of the cups dictates the shape of the breastscontained within the cup. For example, a supporting or perimeter wiremay be inserted along the outer contour of cups 220, 222.

As illustrated in FIG. 2D, a perimeter wire 270 may be inserted alongthe entirety of an outer contour 265 of cups 220, 222 and outline theentire circumference of the cup, giving the breasts an approximatelyspherical shape. In other embodiments, the perimeter wire may beinserted along a portion of the outer contour, giving the breasts anapproximately hemispherical shape. In yet other embodiments, theperimeter wire may be inserted along any portion of the cups' outercontour resulting in a corresponding breast shape.

In some embodiments, each perimeter wire 270 may start at point 273, thepoint of attachment between cup 220, and strap 242 and stop at point275, slightly below the underarm region 244. By not including perimeterwire 270 in the underarm region 244, which may be approximately 3 incheslong, may result in greater comfortable to the wearer. That is, as cups220, 220 are pulled, that places wire 270 slightly below the underarm(e.g., 1 inch below), which ensures that that wire 270 does not injurethe wearer in that area (i.e., in the event wire 270 accidentally pokesthrough the fabric encasing wire 270).

As alluded to above, perimeter wire 270 may be configured to force thebreast to stay within a particular shape. For example, the breasts maybe contained inside perimeter wire 270 outlining the cups by beingforced to stay within the outline crated by perimeter wire 270. In someembodiments, perimeter wire 270 outlining the cup may be configured toforce the breasts to stay within a particular position by guiding thebreast into a direction away from the body's midline. Unlike a shorterunderwire in a traditional undergarment, which shapes the cups at theinframammary fold region and thus provides only partial breast support,the longer perimeter wire is configured to contain the entirety of thebreasts as it extends around the entirety of the cups' outer contour. Byvirtue of using a rigid perimeter outline to guide the breastslaterally, undergarment 200 maintains the separation between them, asrequired to reduce the tension and compression forces exerted onto thebreasts. Perimeter wire 270 pulls each wing 263, 267 of support band215, which in turn act upon cups 220, 222. Accordingly, wire 270 servesto grip and lift the breast with cups 220, 222 upwardly and outwardlythereby creating the desired effect of pulling the skin and diminishingwrinkling and/or creasing.

In some embodiments, the perimeter wire may be fabricated using avariety of materials. For example, heavy gauge stainless steel wire,sheet metal, bone, or plastic may be used. The ends of the perimeterwire may be coated. In some embodiments, the perimeter wire may have oneor more diameters. In some embodiments, the material properties of theperimeter wire may cause the diameter of the perimeter wire to splay orspread wider, when undergarment 200 is secured around wearer's ribcageand is subject to heavy tension forces, as described above. In someembodiments, this spread or splay of the perimeter wire may provideadditional support to the breasts and allows undergarment 200 tomaintain the separation between them resulting in resulting in wrinkleprevention, their concealment, and correction, as described above. Insome embodiments, the perimeter wire may be configured to grip and/orgrab the skin upon contact furthering the containment and separation ofthe breasts.

As alluded to above, the various elements of the presently disclosedsupport garment embodiments (e.g., increased width and height of theelasticized center gore, angling of the cups, and use of perimeterwire), configured to separate the breasts by positioning them upwardlyand outwardly, result in a reduction of intermammary skin wrinkles.Accordingly, an improved appearance of the décolletage provides thewearer with a wider range of clothing items worn in conjunction with thepresently disclosed undergarment, particularly those with necklines thatopen the chest area. Because conventional brassieres shift the breastsupwardly and inwardly, they tend to worsen and/or highlight theappearance of undesirable skin defects and result in the wearer wishingto conceal chest wrinkles with clothing items having higher necklines.For example, a wearer of a conventional brassier may be limited to onlytops and dresses with higher necklines. In contrast, by having the chestregion remain wrinkle-free, provides the wearer with a greater range ofclothing options. For example, the wearer can select dresses and topswith lower and/or plunging necklines without the unsightly skin defectssuch as wrinkles, lines, and crepiness being visible. Additionally, thereduction in the tension and compression forces provides the wearer witha more comfortable fit and allows the undergarment to be utilized morefrequently (e.g., as an everyday undergarment).

Various embodiments have been described with reference to specificexemplary features thereof. It will, however, be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of the various embodiments as set forth in theappended claims. The specification and figures are, accordingly, to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments andimplementations, it should be understood that the various features,aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individualembodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particularembodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied,alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the present application, whether or not such embodimentsare described and whether or not such features are presented as being apart of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of thepresent application should not be limited by any of the above-describedexemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in the present application, and variationsthereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as openended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term“including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” orthe like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances ofthe item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; theterms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one ormore” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,”“normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not beconstrued as limiting the item described to a given time period or to anitem available as of a given time, but instead should be read toencompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologiesthat may be available or known now or at any time in the future.Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would beapparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologiesencompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at anytime in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary diagrams and other illustrations. As will becomeapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading thisdocument, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives canbe implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. Forexample, diagrams and their accompanying description should not beconstrued as mandating a particular configuration.

What is claimed is:
 1. An undergarment comprising: a support bandcomprising a gore element positioned between a first wing element on oneside and a second wing element on another side; the gore elementcomprising a first and second lateral portions defined by a firstheight, and a middle portion located between the first and secondlateral portions, the middle portion being defined by a second height; apair of cups, a first cup affixed to the first wing element and thefirst lateral portion of the gore element, and a second cup affixed tothe second wing and second lateral portion of the gore element; each cupcomprising an outer contour, the outer contour being defined by an outerperimeter; and a wire substantially lining the outer perimeter of theouter contour of cup; wherein the first height of the first and secondlateral portions is greater than the second height of the middle portionof the center gore.
 2. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the centersupport element comprises elastic material.
 3. The undergarment of claim1, wherein the first height of the first side end and second side endsof the gore element is approximately 3½″.
 4. The undergarment of claim1, wherein the second height of the middle portion of the gore elementis approximately 1½″.
 5. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the goreelement is U-shaped.
 6. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the supportband comprises is defined by a length, wherein the length isapproximately 27¾″.
 7. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the supportband is defined by a length.
 8. The undergarment of claim 7, wherein thelength of the support band is approximately 27¾″.
 9. The undergarment ofclaim 1, wherein the support band comprises a fastening mechanismconfigured to fasten the support band around a wearer's torso.
 10. Theundergarment of claim 1, wherein each cup is configured to substantiallyencase each of the wearer's breasts wherein the support band is fastenedaround the wearer's torso.
 11. The undergarment of claim 10, wherein thecenter gore comprises a material having elastomeric properties.
 12. Theundergarment of claim 11, wherein the center gore is configured toexpand and cause each cup to shift upwardly and outwardly and reducetension forces acting upon the cups when the undergarment is worn by thewearer.
 13. The undergarment of claim 12, wherein the reduction intension forces causes a reduction in compression forces acting upon thebreast encased by each cup.